(cont. from Page 7)
Thap Sakae……..From Phra Phut Kiti Sirichai Pagoda there is no coastal road all the way to Thap Sakae some 20 kilometres away. However I do take rural roads which come in sight of the beach on occasions and criss-cross the railway line eventually bringing the station into view at Thap Sakae. Here I make the pilgrimage to the platform for my usual photo shoot but also notice various forms of transport with their riders waiting patiently in the shade. I wasn’t expecting a train but the train to Surat Thani is late, so late in fact I cannot stay without prejudicing my trip to Hauy Yang National Park. I must be off.
Hauy Yang National Park……..Time is ticking on. I reach the Petchkasem Highway from the town not far away but from here I am told it’s 10 kilometres in the direction of Parachuap and a further 5 to the park. There distance finally adds up to 17. By the time I reach the park its 4pm.
Nam Tok Huay Yang National Park is the 70th National Park proclaimed in Thailand, in 1991. It covers an area of 161 square kilometers with scenic forested mountains, diversified by tropical flora and fauna coupled with several tributaries flowing down into the Gulf of Thailand. Entry is 100 baht for foreigners. There is just enough time to cover the five levels and take photographs. From this location it is also possible to make a five-hour trek to the summit of of Khao Luang, 1,250 metres but regrettably neither do I have the time or stamina at present to participate. Keeping an eye on the time I head back down noting that of the fauna listed in the guide I only managed to see a squirrel plus the native species of fish, the Mahseer Barb. It’s clear that again I have not done this justice through lack of time but I’m hoping to complete the return trip at least before dark. To achieve this I need to make this motorcycle trip non-stop. I travel back along the main Petchkasem Highway naturally flowing with traffic especially trucks. Thankfully I make the turning to the coast before dark albeit arriving at Ban Krut in fading light. I stop for dinner; it’s after 6pm but I’m well aware of my limitations feeling saddle sore and in no hurry to dismount. Whatever other plans I had it’s unwise to expand my radius beyond the 40 kilometres I just covered by this mode of transport. Dinner consumed I head back to Proudthai Resort. As this days ends I have no plan for the next day apart from returning the motorbike. (cont. on Page 9)